Stuffed Karela

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Stuffed karela (bitter gourd) is a very popular dish prepared all over India. Its prepared in many different ways, people use different kinds of stuffing for this purpose. In my house we use mustard paste as the stuffing.

Ingredients:
  1. Karela: Medium sized 4
  2. Mustard seeds: 2 tbsp
  3. Cumin Seeds: 1tbsp
  4. Garlic : 4-5 cloves
  5. Turmeric Powder: 1 tsp
  6. oil: 1 tsp
  7. Water: 2 cups
  8. salt: 1 tbsp
  9. Salt: as per taste
  10. Oil for cooking: 2 tbsp

Procedure:
Soak the mustard and cumin seeds in water for 20 mins
wash and pat dry the karela.
Make a slit in the middle of the karela , leave the ends attached.
In a pot bring 2 cups of water and 1 tbsp of salt to a boil, add the whole karelas and let them cook till the karela is cooked through. By doing this we reduce the cooking time after the karela is stuffed and introduce salt to the karela otherwise only the stuffing would have taste in it but the karela itself would remain bland.

Make a fine paste of soaked mustard and cumin seeds.
To the paste add salt to taste, 1tsp oil and turmeric powder and mix well.


Once the karela is cooked, remove from heat and drain it properly.
Stuff the karela with the stuffing we made and close it. 

Heat oil in a pan and sear fry the stuffed karela first with the cover on so that the stuffing is cooked through, that would take about 4-5 mins and then remove the cover and cook till the karela is crispy on all sides.
Serve it hot with rice and dal.

I know some people do not enjoy karela because of its bitter taste, but it is really healthy an should be consumed often. This recipe helps reduce the bitterness a lot and is really enjoyable.
So do try this and let me know.
Till then happy blogging
Rakhee

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